Abstract: A method for automatically error notifying a user of a dairy farm, wherein milking animals, such as cows, are allowed to move freely in an area (1) intended therefore and to visit individually a milking animal station, such as e.g. a milking parlor (9) with a fully automatic milking machine (14), or a feeding station (33), said station comprising an animal identification system (20, 43), and a database of the animals, said method comprising the steps of receiving a pre-selection of a particular milking animal of the milking animals in the database; identifying each milking animal that visits the station; and notifying the user of the dairy farm of the animal in dependence on the pre-selected milking animal visiting the station. The method may be implemented by means of a computer software product loaded into a computer of an animal station or of a dairy farm system.

Abstract: A transportable litter box has a container body and a lid removably received over an open end of the container body. The container body has wheels rotatably connected thereto at an end opposite the open end. The lid has an opening therein suitable for allowing an animal to enter the container body therethrough. A support structure is connected to the lid so as to retain a bag in an open configuration within the container body regardless of the orientation of the container body. The wheels are formed of wheel halves hingedly connected together over an axle.

Abstract: A drainage tray suitable for use with plant pots is configured to collect and drain away excess plant treating fluids, such as water, fertilizer and the like, that drain from the plant pot. The drainage tray has a base member with a bottom having a side wall extending generally vertically from its periphery to form a reservoir with a generally open top and closed bottom. A drainage orifice in the base member connects to a tubular member, such as a hose, to drain the excess fluids from the reservoir to a suitable disposal site away from the area of the potted plant. Support members and stabilizer members are used to facilitate use of the drainage tray. The drainage tray prevents the accumulation of fluid near a potted plant that can damage or stain the deck, floor, sidewalk or other support surface and/or cause persons to slip and fall.

Abstract: A machine for vending floral arrangements is described including stack of generally circular carousels each for supporting a plurality of floral arrangements; and a generally cylindrical exterior housing surrounding the carousels.

Abstract: A devise for watering vegetation has a cylindrical tube that can be laid flat and rolled up. The tube has a watertight seal about 2 to about 6 inches from each end, which leaves a flap at each end. The flaps can be attached to stakes that can be driven into the ground. There are one or two openings along the length of the tube through which water can be admitted into the tube. At or near the bottom of the tube is at least one drip emitter from which water can leave the tube. Two or more tubes can be joined together using a single stake though the flaps of the tubes. The tubes can be arranged in a line, a circle, or other arrangements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rollable artificial mulch carpet that includes a permeable base upon which simulated wood chips have been adhered. In one embodiment, the rollable mulch carpet is manufactured on rolls of varying lengths that are placed onto the soil surfaces of gardening areas to provide a mulch-like surface that allows penetration of moisture and atmosphere to the plants in the garden and a mulch-like appearance that resists deterioration.

Abstract: A plant watering device for use in a growing medium, which comprises a base with an open top liquid receiving section with a discharge inlet aperture located therein. A medium engaging section is connected to the base and has a discharge outlet aperture communicating with the inlet aperture. A contamination prevention member for preventing contamination of the dispensing aperture is located adjacent thereto. A container with a discharge spout has an amount of a liquid contained therein and is filled on the base. The discharge spout is positioned into the liquid receiving section. A wick component is mounted in the liquid receiving section to receive the liquid from the container and extends between the inlet aperture and the outlet aperture to automatically deliver the liquid to the outlet aperture and into the growth medium at a controlled rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides unique technology, systems and methods of cultivating different types of seaweeds, including, but not limited to, Porphyra (Nori), Laminaria, Undaria, Eucheuma, Gracillaria, Ulva, Sargassum, Codium, Cladophora, Ascophyllum, Palmaria, Furcellaria, Fucus or Enteromorpha, in land-based seawater ponds having a climatically suitable and nutrient controlled environment. These land-based ponds may be built in any part of the world with structural engineering and architectural modifications. The invention provides methods of designing different stages of growth, and defining the special conditions to optimize each of the different stages in controlled environments. The technology includes techniques of enriching the seaweeds with desired nutrients and ingredients for the production of high quality products that are free of marine pollutants, in addition to generating maximum yields under optimum, clean, temperature controlled and stable environmental conditions.

Abstract: A structural cell system is disclosed for supporting hardscape areas in a way that enables tree root growth and accommodates filtering, retention, storage and infiltration of storm water while preventing hardscape damage. The system includes a plurality of structural cells capable of being positioned below a hardscape. The structural cells are designed to have openings that are sized to accept tree roots. The system has one or more permeable barriers around the structural cells with a way for water to flow into the plurality of structural cells flow out of the structural cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a false bottom insert assembly for use in combination with an oversized planter container. The assembly essentially comprises a support platform for supporting a soil-bound plant, an optional spacer member for supporting the support platform, and an optional moisture-receiving tray for collecting and retaining excess moisture emanating from the support platform and the spacer member via the soil. The platform comprises a peripheral support surface that engages either the container or the spacer member for supporting the support platform at the chosen false bottom level in the planter container. Support ribs are integrally formed to the platform to increase its load bearing potential. The spacer member may be utilized as an optional structure to adjust for variable container dimensions and the moisture-receiving tray may be installed at the user's election to maintain a moisture source in inferior adjacency to the support platform.

Abstract: A bird feeder perch assembly for removable attachment to a bird feeder, the assembly having a locating member for locating and removably engaging a body of the bird feeder, a perch and pivoting mechanism for allowing the perch to pivot relative to the locating member, such that in use when attached to a bird feeder body the perch may pivot from a retracted position in which it is substantially flush with the bird feeder body to an extended position in which the perch projects outwardly from the bird feeder body such that a bird may rest upon the perch.

Abstract: A gardening cage having self-irrigating and self-fertilizing devices. In a typical embodiment, the cage includes panels having a frame that includes a plurality of horizontal and vertical rungs. The panels are connected so that rungs of respective panels cascade with respect to rungs of the adjacent panel. In a typical embodiment, the bottom rungs of each panel include irrigating holes so that water injected into the rungs can be dispensed around the periphery of the vines. The water is typically suppled to the cage by a hose that connects to a water inlet that feeds the holes. Several cages can be placed side by side and can be fitted with “T” fittings that branch off the supply hose and feed the individual cages via the water inlet fitting.

Abstract: A tree ring that inhibits and/or prevents vegetation growth around the trunks of trees. The tree ring comprises an elastic outer peripheral edge and an elastic inner peripheral edge. In between elastic outer peripheral edge and the elastic inner peripheral edge is a flexible sheet. The flexible sheet has a plurality of holes. The tree ring is removably secured onto a tree pot of any dimension, size, or shape. The elastic outer peripheral edge stretches around the rim of the tree pot, and the elastic inner peripheral edge snugly fits around a tree trunk. It is noted that the distance between the elastic outer peripheral edge and the elastic inner peripheral edge that makes up flexible sheet may vary.

Abstract: An animal reward dispensing apparatus for attaching to an animal trainer's forearm, the apparatus having a dispensing tube defined about a longitudinal axis, the dispensing tube having at least a first and second attaching straps for attaching the dispensing tube to the animal trainer's forearm. The dispensing tube also having a first and second spaced apart ends defining an interior cavity, and a spring located inside the interior cavity of the dispensing tube and positioned between the first and second ends of the dispensing tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the protection of germinating seed from pesticide, wherein seed-containing pellets and pesticide-containing pellets are sown separately but simultaneously. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pesticide-containing pellets have substantially the same shape and diameter as the seed-containg pellets, and the pesticide-containing pellets comprise the exact dosis of pesticide that is sufficient for one seed germ. Generally, the pellets with pesticide have a diameter ranging from 0,5–5.

Abstract: A molded body for improving cultivation conditions for plants, which is suitable inter alia for arrangement in a plant holder. The molded body has a tapered projection and is arranged in such a way that the projection protrudes into the plant substrate in the plant holder. The projection has elements allowing an exchange of substances between the interior and the surroundings of the projection. This allows the targeted introduction of air, water, nutrients and auxiliary substances into the plant substrate and the root conglomerates. The molded body has a recess which acts as a water reservoir that is separate from the plant substrate. The molded body is water-permeable in the upper part and essentially impermeable to water at the bottom, in the tip of the projection.

Abstract: A device and method for preparing a vase or other container to receive a floral arrangement. The device includes a grid cover that is placed around the open end of a vase or similar container. The grid cover has a flat top surface and a peripheral wall that extends downwardly from the edge of the top surface. The grid cover is made of elastomeric material and is initially smaller than the open top of the vase. The grid cover is stretched over the open top of the vase, wherein the peripheral wall of the grid cover passes over the edge of the vase's open top and retains the stretched grid cover element in place. A plurality of openings are distributed throughout the top surface of the grid cover. As the grid cover is stretched over the top of a vase, the openings become positioned across the open top of the vase.

Abstract: A unitized mat to facilitate growing plants includes at least two polymeric material layers defining fluid-conveying passageways forming distribution headers and a flow restrictor, an inlet for delivery of a fluid into the distribution headers, and an outlet for dispensing fluid into a root zone area covered by at least one layer of the polymeric material layers. The polymeric layers are sized and shaped to cover an area immediately around at least one plant. The flow restrictor, for metering the fluid, is in fluid connection with the distribution header and a multi-dimensional array of outlets. The present invention combines a fluid distribution device and artificial mulching. The method of manufacturing and using the unitized mat to enhance the growth of plants is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stackable unit for automatically dispensing fluid to at least one growing medium container associated with the stackable unit. The stackable unit comprising at least one growing medium container and a reservoir with an open top to facilitate filling thereof. A drainage channel cooperates with the reservoir and the drainage channel having an inlet located adjacent the open top of the reservoir to facilitate draining of excess fluid from the reservoir. The reservoir having at least one lateral dispensing opening for dispensing fluid from the reservoir into growing medium. A capillary member, which controls flow of fluid from the reservoir to the at least one growing medium container, communicates with the least one lateral dispensing opening supporting, for supplying moisture to growing medium to facilitate growing of a plant.

Abstract: An adjustable tree stand for holding a tree trunk to position a tree in a substantially vertical position, the tree stand comprised of a generally cylindrical-shaped base member having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end adapted to be supported by a floor, a generally dish-shaped member is designed to be received by and supported by the top end of the cylindrical base member, a portion of the dish-shaped member is adapted to swivel in the top end of the cylindrical member.